Understanding Gaslighting and Its Impact on Mental Health Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person or group seeks to make someone doubt their own perceptions, memories, or reality. This term, derived from the 1944 film “Gaslight,” where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity, has become a widely recognized concept in discussions of emotional abuse and manipulation. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and workplace settings. Definition and Mechanisms of Gaslighting Gaslighting involves a series of manipulative tactics aimed at undermining the victim’s sense of reality. These tactics include denying facts, minimizing the victim’s feelings, and presenting false information as truth (Stark, 2018). The ultimate goal is to destabilize the victim’s perception of reality, thereby gaining control and power over them. Gaslighters often use subtle and gradual methods to erode the victim’s confidence in their own thoughts and…
How new age therapies re-brand psychoanalytic concepts that have been around since Freud
How Freud’s ideas show up in new age contemporary therapy modalities Sigmund Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, is a figure whose contributions to psychology and psychotherapy have been both revolutionary and controversial. While Freud’s theories have faced significant criticism, it’s essential to recognize that many modern therapeutic approaches and psychological theories have built upon, adapted, or even rediscovered concepts originally proposed by Freud. This essay explores why Freud doesn’t deserve the bad reputation he sometimes gets and argues that many contemporary psychological practices are deeply rooted in Freudian ideas, albeit under different names. Freud’s Legacy and Modern Adaptations Sigmund Freud’s work laid the foundation for much of modern psychology, particularly in the realm of understanding the unconscious mind and the therapeutic process. Freud’s theories, such as the role of the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and the significance of early childhood experiences, have profoundly influenced the field. Over…
Back to School
Are your kids struggling with back to school anxiety? Here are some great tips to help.
Healing Trauma from and honoring all of your parts
The IFS treatment model is becoming quite popular. It is particularly helpful with trauma.
Psychodynamic Therapy is evidenced based and can have more lasting benefits than other models
Insight-Oriented Therapy: Understanding Its Effectiveness Through Research Introduction Insight-oriented therapy, often referred to as psychodynamic therapy, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on uncovering and understanding unconscious processes and early life experiences that influence current behavior. By gaining insight into these underlying issues, individuals can achieve greater self-awareness and resolve internal conflicts. This article delves into how insight-oriented therapy works, its theoretical foundations, and the research demonstrating its effectiveness. Theoretical Foundations Insight-oriented therapy is rooted in psychodynamic theory, which originated with Sigmund Freud and has evolved over time. The core premise is that unconscious thoughts and feelings, often stemming from early life experiences, shape our behavior and mental states. Insight-oriented therapy aims to bring these unconscious elements into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to understand and address them. Key components of this therapy include: Exploration of Unconscious Processes: Patients explore their unconscious thoughts and feelings, often through techniques such as free…
Is there a problem with all of the pop-culture psych talk and self-diagnostic talk?
Self-diagnosing is on the rise. Here is why and the potentially issues with it.
Kids need down time too
Lazy summer days can be good for your child. Here is why.
The Value of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Therapy in Mental Health Psychodynamic therapy, a practice evolving from the roots of Freudian psychoanalysis, offers a profound method for understanding and addressing mental health disorders. This therapeutic approach delves into the depths of the unconscious, exploring how early experiences shape our behaviors and emotional well-being. At its core, psychodynamic therapy operates on the belief that unconscious processes and past experiences significantly influence our current behavior and emotional state. It emphasizes the role of defense mechanisms and unresolved conflicts, particularly those stemming from childhood. By bringing these to the forefront of consciousness, it aims to uncover the roots of psychological distress. The therapy process is characterized by a close therapeutic relationship, where patients are encouraged to speak freely about their thoughts, feelings, dreams, and fantasies. This open dialogue helps uncover patterns and conflicts hidden within the unconscious mind, facilitating insight and resolution. Evidence suggests that psychodynamic…
What happens when love from parents is conditional?
Why we need unconditional love from our parents in order to establish a healthy foundation for satisfying relationships, good mental health and an overall satisfactory life.